North Carolina State University


Recommendations for Wheat


 
Oct. 1 – Oct. 15
Planting of Wheat
30 – 36
Lower enough to provide trafficability

 
 
Oct. 15 – Mar. 1
Wheat establishment
18 – 24
Lower during extremely wet periods

 
 
Mar. 1 - Mar. 15
Nitrogen sidedressing
24 – 36
Just low enough to allow trafficability

 
 
Mar. 15 – Jun. 1
Wheat growth and maturity
18 – 24
Temporary adjustment during wet periods

 
 
Jun. 1 – Jul. 1
Harvesting wheat; tillage
30 – 36
Depends on rainfall

 
 

a Values shown are the control setting (depth below average surface elevation) and should not be considered the actual water table depth in the field, which will be lower except during drainage periods.

b Most adjustments are related to trafficability and must take into account weather conditions and soil water status at the time:

  – in an unusually dry season, control can be 3 to 6 inches higher;

  – in an unusually wet season, control should be 3 to 6 inches lower;

  – in coarse-textured soils, trafficability can be provided with the water table approximately 6 inches higher.